Motion sensing remote microphone

ABSTRACT

An apparatus and method comprising of a remote microphone attached to a portable radio such as those carried by Firefighters and other First Responders and equipped with automatic motion sensing and Emergency Alert capabilities which becomes activated when such Firefighters and other First Responders are unconscious or immobilized. The invention incorporates a motion sensing component, such as a Solid State Accelerometer, and an orientation sensing component, such as a Solid State Gyroscope or a multidirectional Solid State Accelerometer into the radio&#39;s remote microphone and is programmed to become activated by the wearer&#39;s motionlessness and subsequently activates the Emergency Alert as if the wearer had pressed the Emergency Alert button. The activation may send out an audible distress signal, a radio frequency (RF) distress signal, or both.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of motion sensingdevices and more particularly relates to a motion sensing remotemicrophone for automatically detecting a state of motionlessness andproviding Emergency Alert to others when the wearer of the device hasbecome immobilized or incapacitated.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Prompt recovery of an incapacitated or trapped person, such as aFirefighter, or other First Responder requires rapid notification thatthe person has been trapped or incapacitated, as well as rapid locationof the person. Hence it has long been recognized for the need for somesort of a signaling device to be activated when a Firefighter or otherFirst responder becomes trapped or unconscious.

There are a variety of motion detectors known in the art to detectmovement of the person, and which would be suitable for use as part ofthe rescue device. Many of these motion detectors monitor theacceleration of an element thereof and, from this, deduce the state ofmovement of the device using the electronic sensing devices such asaccelerometers and gyroscopes. The accelerometer senses the linearacceleration in multiple directions, from which calculations such asvelocity, direction and position can be derived. The Gyroscope senses anangular velocity of the wearer and outputs angular velocity data basedon the sensed angular velocity. A multidirectional Accelerometer senseslinear acceleration in multiple directions and gravitationalorientation.

Many Firefighter and other First Responder radios come equipped with anEmergency Alert Button. This button may be found on the radio body onlyor both the radio body and remote microphone (the remote microphone isattached to the main radio body by a short cord and is usually worn onthe chest, shoulder or collar area for easier transmissions). Activationof the Emergency Alert is achieved by depressing one of the providedbuttons. The activation may send out an audible distress signal, a RadioFrequency (RF) distress signal, or both. The RF distress signal may betransmitted at a higher wattage and contain specific information aboutthe identity of the sender.

A shortcoming in the Radio Frequency distress systems is found when aFirefighter or other First Responder suddenly becomes incapacitated orunconscious. In such a situation the radio's Emergency Alert button willnot be activated.

National Fire Protection Association standards require a passive deviceto be installed in all compliant air packs. These motion sensors, whenactivated, send out a generic audible alarm. The alarm is akin to asiren that provides a general alert only to those within audible range.The alarm may alert would-be rescuers but fails to identify the senderor be logged or tracked.

There is a need for some sort of an RF (radio frequency) signalingdevice to be activated when a Firefighter or other First Responderbecomes trapped or unconscious.

The relevant prior art methods, which will deal with motion sensors, areas follows:

U.S. Pat. No. 7,382,249 provides a combined alarm and surveillancesystem and integrates an existing alarm system with an existingsurveillance system such that functions unique to each system arecombined in a complementary manner. The existing alarm and surveillancesystems are combined via an interface comprising an array of electricrelays. Each relay receives a signal from either the alarm system or thesurveillance system and retransmits the signal to the other system in aform that is compatible with the receiving system. The alarm system isconfigured to communicate alarm status information to the surveillancesystem, and the surveillance system is configured to communicate controlsignals to the alarm system, such as an alarm system reset signal.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,437,931 details a sensor unit to detect a stillnessevent, the sensor unit including a gyroscope attached to a monitoredperson, a micro-controller communicatively coupled to the gyroscope, anda memory communicatively coupled to receive and to store the angularvelocity data with a correlated time. The gyroscope senses an angularvelocity of the monitored person and outputs angular velocity data basedon the sensed angular velocity. The micro-controller receives theangular velocity data and recognizes a quiescence-pattern data in theangular velocity data.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,914,422 claims a personal alert safety system (PASS) ofthe type carried by firefighters, rescuers, and the like. The unitattaches to the firefighters shoulder harness and is characterized byits ability to indicate audibly temperature changes in 100.degree F.increments within the hazardous environment, as well as lack of motionby the firefighter. The activating circuit includes a horn alarmsignaling both temperature changes and lack of motion, such that boththe firefighter, as well as his colleagues, may be audibly appraised.

US Patent Application 20030067385 describes a motion sensor system thathas several sensor units. Each sensor unit is freely movable, easilyhidden and includes a motion sensor and a wireless radio frequency (RF)transmitter. The motion sensor system further includes a receiver unit,which includes a wireless radio frequency receiver and a device forcommunicating receipt of a signal to the user. When at least one of themotion sensors of at least one of the sensor units detects motion, thewireless radio frequency transmitter transmits a signal to the radiofrequency receiver of the receiver unit. The receiver unit thencommunicates receipt of the signal to the user.

US Patent Application 20090069720 comprises an implantable activitydetector can detect metabolic stress levels, which can be normalized,such as to identify times of activities such as walking and running orto identify trends such as a decrease in metabolic activity. The datacan be derived from different sources such as an accelerometer andpedometer. This data can be compared to independently specifiablethresholds, such as to trigger an alert or responsive therapy, or todisplay one or more trends. The information can also be combined withother congestive heart failure (CHF) indications. The alert can notifythe patient or a caregiver, such as via remote monitoring. Metabolicactivity data from one or more of the activity detectors can be used toestablish a model of metabolic stress, to which further activity datacan be compared for identifying periods of increased or decreasedmetabolic stress.

US Patent Application 20040066302 provides a Portable accelerometercoupled to a processor and wireless transceiver providing remotemonitoring of sensed acceleration. A BLUETOOTH®-compatible transceiverallows bi-directional communication including transmission of operatingparameters and programming as well arm and cancel commands. Networkedcommunications allows remote monitoring and integration with publicsafety answering point (PSAP). Signal processing at the portable devicediscerns includes comparison of sensed acceleration with stored profile.

Shortcomings are found in the existing devices claimed in the prior art,when a Firefighter or other First Responder suddenly becomesincapacitated or unconscious. None of the above patents claims a motionsensor that can detect a state of non motion and trigger an alarm in theuser's portable radio. Thus, in such a situation of motionlessness, aradio's Emergency Alert button will not be activated.

Hence, there is a need for a device and process to sense and capture theuser's motionlessness and provide notice of his incapacitation to othersas well as aid in quickly and precisely locating the incapacitatedperson while he is being concealed by smoke or other natural elements orcaught in fire or other agents which block direct viewing of the user ofthe device.

The present invention overcomes these and other problems by providing aMotion Sensing Remote Microphone which detects the stillness andorientation of the remote microphone and automatically activates theEmergency Alert as if the wearer pressed the Emergency Alert buttonthemselves. This invention does not require any separate or bulky gearand is incorporated into the remote microphone of the portable radio ofthe user.

The present invention thus closes a fatal gap in providing the fastestand most far-reaching automatic signaling system for an unconscious orincapacitated Firefighter or other First Responder. The invention isincorporated into the remote microphone in a portable radio carried bysuch Firefighter or other First Responder. The present invention is thusdesigned for use in the remote microphone on portable radios,self-powered by portable battery, and intended for personal use by asingle individual. When no motion is detected for a preset timeinterval, an alarm signal is generated. If the motionlessness of theuser is not due to a state of incapacitation or unconsciousness, thealarm can be switched off manually by the user. The activation may sendout an audible distress signal, an RF distress signal, or both. The RFdistress signal may be transmitted at a higher wattage and containspecific information about the identity of the sender.

Further it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the objectsof this invention have been achieved by providing a Solid StateAccelerometer interfaced with a Solid State Gyroscope or amultidirectional Solid State Accelerometer in a remote microphone,geared towards portable radios carried by Firefighters and other FirstResponders, which is unique in nature unlike existing systems which canbe able to apply only for limited purposes. Various changes may be madein and without departing from the concept of the invention. Further,features of some stages disclosed in this application may be employedwith features of other stages. Therefore, the scope of the invention isto be determined by the terminology of the following claims and thelegal equivalents thereof.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This present invention may be summarized, at least in part, withreference to its objects.

The foremost object of the present invention is to provide a motionsensing remote microphone attached to a portable radio, to detect themotionlessness of the user.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a motion sensingremote microphone which can be easily attached to a portable radionormally carried by the Firefighters and other First Responders.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a motion sensingremote microphone that can be automatically activated when the usersbecome unconscious or incapacitated and provide notice to others throughthe Emergency Alert.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a motion sensingremote microphone that can activate a highly audible alarm to enablerescue operation, whereby the immobilized or incapacitated user can belocated easily by the rescuers.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a motion sensingremote microphone that can activate an RF (radio frequency) identifyingalarm to enable rescue operation, whereby the immobilized orincapacitated user can be located easily by the rescuers.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a motion sensingremote microphone that possesses various sensitivities for physicallycanceling an alarm sequence.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel motionsensing and Emergency Alert remote microphone that provides an audiblepre-alarm warning signal.

Another object of the present invention is provide a novel motionsensing and Emergency Alert remote microphone that consists of varioustime frames for activation of both pre-alarm and full alarm modes.

Another object of the present invention is provide a novel motionsensing and Emergency Alert remote microphone that contains physicalorientation/activation interface settings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the Motion Sensing Remote Microphonecomprising of the various components of the remote microphone includingthe push-to-talk button (1), a microphone (2), a speaker (3), anEmergency alert button (4), a cord to connect to the radio (5), and thebody of the remote microphone consisting of a Solid State Accelerometerand a Solid State Gyroscope or a multidirectional Solid StateAccelerometer (6).

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the Motion Sensing Remote Microphonewith the longitudinal axis in the vertical plane.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the Motion Sensing Remote Microphoneplaced at a 45 degree angle away from the vertical with designationrelating to its longitudinal axis.

In accordance with the foregoing, a device and process of motion sensingremote microphone is enclosed. In an embodiment of this invention themotion sensing remote microphone includes a Solid State Accelerometerinterfaced physically or electronically with a Solid State Gyroscope(6), or a multidirectional Solid State Accelerometer (6) and is gearedtoward portable radios. Further, the microphone provides the motionsensing and Emergency Alert capabilities automatically when the userbecomes unconscious.

Additional objects and embodiments of the invention will be set forth inpart in the description which follows, and in part will become apparentto those skilled in the art upon examination of the following, or may belearned by practice of the invention. These and other objects andadvantages and features of the present invention will be more readilyapparent when considered in reference to the following description andwhen taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings listed below.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following description is presented to enable any person skilled inthe art to make and use the invention, and is provided in the context ofparticular applications of the invention and their requirements. Thepresent invention can be configured as follows:

The present invention provides a remote microphone specifically gearedtoward portable radios and equipped with automatic motion sensingcapabilities and Emergency Alert capabilities, such as those carried byFirefighters and other First Responders. The portable radio shallfunction utilizing assigned radio frequencies and may be generated in ananalog or digital mode. The said remote microphone shall have ‘EmergencyAlert’ or distress capabilities that shall previously only have beenactivated via physical means, i.e. utilization of a dedicated switch,button etc (4).

In an embodiment of this invention, the above said motion sensing deviceincorporates a Solid State Accelerometer and a Solid State Gyroscope (6)or a multidirectional Solid State Accelerometer (6) into the radio'sremote microphone. Thus, Motion and orientation sensing capabilitiesshall be incorporated into the body of the remote microphone (6) and bepowered by same supply. Motion sensing capabilities shall be achievedthrough use of a Solid State Accelerometer (or similar). Orientationsensing capabilities shall be achieved through use of a Solid StateGyroscope or a multidirectional Solid State Accelerometer (6). Theaccelerometer is installed so as to interface with the transmissionfeature of the remote microphone's Emergency Alert button (4). TheMotion sensor shall have programmable features for both time delay andorientation. i.e. the sensor shall activate after 100 seconds ofnon-movement when device is oriented in the vertical plane and activateafter 30 seconds of non-movement when in the horizontal plane.

The accelerometer (6) senses the linear acceleration in multipledirections, from which calculations such as velocity, direction andposition can be derived. The gyroscope senses an angular velocity of theremote microphone The multidirectional Accelerometer senses linearacceleration and gravitational orientation. When the wearer becomesunconscious or incapacitated, the Solid State Accelerometer (6) becomesactivated by the wearer's motionlessness and subsequently activates theEmergency Alert as if the wearer pressed the Emergency Alert button (4)themselves.

In another embodiment of this invention, the Solid State Accelerometer(6) shall be programmable for various Motion-Sensing sensitivities.Additionally, the multidirectional Accelerometer (6) shall beprogrammable for various gravitational orientations.

In another embodiment of this invention, the motion sensing remotemicrophone can activate an audible Pre-Alarm warning signal.

In another embodiment of this invention, the Solid State Accelerometer(6) in the motion sensing remote microphone shall be programmable forvarious time frames for activation of both pre-alarm and full alarmmodes. Motion sensor activation shall entail an alarm sequence of anaudible pre-alarm mode, giving the wearer time to cancel the alarm, andthen a full-alarm mode, which will activate the ‘Emergency Alert’ or‘Distress’ signal the same as if the wearer physically activated the‘Emergency Alert’ switch or button (4).

In another embodiment of this invention, the Solid State Accelerometer(6) in the motion sensing remote microphone shall be programmed to workin conjunction with the Solid State Gyroscope or a multidirectionalAccelerometer (6) shall be used to provide physicalorientation/activation interface settings. Motion sensor activationshall electronically tie-in to the physical activation process (button,switch) automatically and passively.

In another embodiment of this invention, the Solid State Accelerometer(6) in the motion sensing remote microphone shall be programmed to offervarious sensitivities for physically canceling the pre-alarm sequencevia movement of the device, i.e. shaking or tapping.

While there has been shown and described what is considered to bepreferred embodiments of the invention, it will, of course, beunderstood that various modifications and changes in form or detailcould readily be made without departing from the spirit of theinvention. It is therefore intended that the invention be not limited tothe exact forms described and illustrated, but should be constructed tocover all modifications that may fall within the scope of the appendedclaims.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the objects of thisinvention have been achieved by providing the above invention. Howevervarious changes may be made in the structure of the invention withoutdeparting from the concept of the invention. Therefore, the scope of theinvention is to be determined by the terminology of the following claimsand the legal equivalents thereof.

1. A motion sensing remote microphone for use in portable radioscomprising of a motion and orientation sensing device incorporated intosaid remote microphone (6) and powered by same supply characterized inthat said motion/orientation sensing device includes but is not limitedto a Solid State Accelerometer and/or a Solid State Gyroscope and/or amultidirectional Solid State Accelerometer (6).
 2. The motion sensingremote microphone as claimed in claim 1 wherein said portable radioshall function utilizing assigned radio frequencies and may be generatedin an analog or digital mode.
 3. The motion sensing remote microphone asclaimed in claim 1 wherein said remote microphone (6) shall have amanually activated Emergency Alert button (4).
 4. The motion sensingremote microphone as claimed in claim 1 wherein said Solid StateAccelerometer and/or Solid State Gyroscope and/or said multidirectionalSolid State Accelerometer (6) are installed so as to interface with thetransmission feature of said Emergency Alert button (4).
 5. The motionsensing remote microphone as claimed in claim 1 wherein said Solid StateAccelerometer and/or said multidirectional Solid State Accelerometer (6)senses the linear acceleration in multiple directions and determinesvelocity of said remote microphone (6).
 6. The motion sensing remotemicrophone as claimed in claim 1 wherein said Solid State Accelerometerand/or said multidirectional Solid State Accelerometer (6) senses thelinear acceleration in multiple directions and determines directionand/or gravitational orientation of said remote microphone (6).
 7. Theremote microphone as claimed in claim 1 wherein said Solid StateGyroscope or said multidirectional Solid State Accelerometer (6) sensesaxial relationships in multiple directions and determines orientation ofsaid remote microphone (6).
 8. The remote microphone as claimed in claim1 wherein said Solid State Accelerometer and/or said Solid StateGyroscope and/or said multidirectional Solid State Accelerometer (6)have programmable features for time delay that are activated bycombinational variables of time and orientation such that the EmergencyAlert (4) shall be electronically activated after a set amount ofmotionlessness when the longitudinal axis of the remote microphone (6)is oriented in the vertical plane.
 9. The remote microphone as claimedin claim 1 wherein said Solid State Accelerometer and/or said SolidState Gyroscope and/or said multidirectional Solid State Accelerometer(6) have programmable features for time delay that are activated bycombinational variables of time and orientation such that the EmergencyAlert (4) shall be electronically activated after a set amount ofmotionlessness when the longitudinal axis of the remote microphone (6)is oriented equal or greater than a set number of degrees away from thevertical plane.
 10. The motion sensing remote microphone as claimed inclaim 1 wherein said Solid State Gyroscope (6) senses the linearacceleration in multiple directions and determines angular velocity ofthe remote microphone (6).
 11. The motion sensing remote microphone asclaimed in claim 1 wherein said Solid State Accelerometer and/or saidmultidirectional Solid State Accelerometer (6) attains an activationthreshold by calculating direction, position, velocity and angularvelocity of said remote microphone (6).
 12. The motion sensing remotemicrophone as claimed in claim 1 wherein activation threshold of saidSolid State Accelerometer and/or said multidirectional Solid StateAccelerometer (6) triggers an alarm sequence of an audible pre-alarmmode, giving the wearer time to cancel the alarm.
 13. The motion sensingremote microphone as claimed in claim 1 wherein activation threshold ofsaid Solid State Accelerometer and/or said multidirectional Solid StateAccelerometer (6) triggers an alarm sequence of a full-alarm mode, sameas manually activating said Emergency Alert button (4).
 14. The motionsensing remote microphone as claimed in claim 1 wherein said Solid StateAccelerometer and/or said multidirectional Solid State Accelerometer (6)is be programmable for various Motion-Sensing sensitivities.
 15. Themotion sensing remote microphone as claimed in claim 1 wherein saidSolid State Accelerometer and/or said multidirectional Solid StateAccelerometer (6) can activate an audible Pre-Alarm warning signal. 16.The motion sensing remote microphone as claimed in claim 1 wherein saidSolid State Accelerometer and/or said multidirectional Solid StateAccelerometer (6) does not hinder physical activation of radio'sEmergency Alert button (4).
 17. The motion sensing remote microphone asclaimed in claim 1 wherein said Solid State Accelerometer and/or saidmultidirectional Solid State Accelerometer (6) is programmed to offervarious sensitivities for physically canceling a pre-alarm sequence viamovement of said device by shaking or tapping.